LISBON, PORTUGAL - AUGUST 15: Houssem Aouar of Olympique Lyon celebrates following his team's victory in the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Lyon at Estadio Jose Alvalade on August 15, 2020 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Franck Fife/Pool via Getty Images)

Real Betis Leading Race for Roma and Milan Target

Houssem Aouar has been linked to Roma and Milan in the last couple of windows, but the two Italian sides are currently trailing Real Betis in the fray to add him on a free transfer, Relevo informs (via Sportitalia).

The Spanish side and the player have struck a verbal agreement on a five-year contract with €2.5M wages. He’ll reportedly join them if he doesn’t move in January. The 24-year-old has dealt with multiple injuries and slightly fell out of favor this season given the situation, scoring just once in seven appearances.

According to Estadio Deportivo (via Virgilio), Milan and Roma could still upset Real Betis by tendering bids in the winter window. The Giallorossi might turn their attention toward him considering the problems in the Davide Frattesi deal. They were said to be in advanced talks with the player before La Liga’s side jumped in.

Instead, the reigning Serie A champions aren’t expected to be active in January. On the other hand, they could lose Brahim Diaz at the end of the season since Real Madrid have an option to bring him back.

Our Take on Aouar, Milan, and Roma

It’d be a missed opportunity since the wages are reasonable and he’s still fairly young. He’d probably be more of a no.10 than a pivot or box-to-box in Serie A. In that sense, the Rossoneri potentially have a bigger need skillset-wise. But the Giallorossi don’t have much financial ammo, so adding a quality player on a Bosman move would be savvy, even if the fit isn’t perfect.

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